MLC Names Three New Execs
• The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) announced several new executive hires who will help lead the company’s finance, public relations and rights management efforts: Monique Benjamin is named Head of Finance, Natalie Kilgore joins as Head of Public Relations and Maurice Russell is the newly named Head of Rights Management.
Monique Benjamin (left) brings more than 18 years of experience to The MLC. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and then transitioned to the music industry, holding various finance-related roles at Word Entertainment and Warner Music Nashville, eventually rising to become Warner’s SVP of Finance.
A long-time creative champion, Natalie Gilgore (center) brings nearly two decades of publicity experience in the music and entertainment industries. Her professional endeavors include launching the in-house publicity departments for both the Big Machine Label Group and BBR Music Group and serving as the Communications Director for the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
A recognized industry expert in matters pertaining to music publishing administration, Maurice Russell (right) previously served on advisory groups at the U.S. Copyright Office and the U.S. Patent and Trade Office, and he’s also been a long-time participant in the Digital Data Exchange (DDEX), the preeminent music industry standards-setting organization.
“I’m excited to welcome three new executives to The MLC’s leadership team as we continue to build our organization,” said Kris Ahrend, CEO of The MLC. “Monique, Natalie, and Maurice each possess many years of experience working in the music industry, they are recognized leaders in their fields, and they’re well-respected by their peers. I’m grateful that they have decided to join The MLC.” The MLC remains on track to begin issuing blanket licenses to U.S. digital streaming services in January 2021.
